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In a rare and shocking incident, ISIS has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Shiite mosque in Oman, resulting in six deaths on Monday evening.
The Sunni extremist group announced late Tuesday that three of its suicide attackers targeted worshippers at the mosque, leading to a prolonged gunfight with Omani security forces. The assault continued until morning, as reported by Reuters, and the group released a video of the attack on the Telegram messaging app.
This incident has rattled Oman, a country that has largely avoided the sectarian violence seen in other parts of the Middle East. The Royal Oman Police confirmed on Tuesday that nine people, including three attackers and a policeman, were killed in the Wadi al-Kabir district of Muscat. More than two dozen individuals of various nationalities were injured, including four Omani first responders.
The attack occurred at the Imam Ali mosque during Ashura, a significant day in the Islamic month of Muharram for Shiite Muslims. Oman, an oil-producing nation known for its stability and growing tourism sector, has been promoting religious tolerance and sectarian harmony, emphasizing its unique Ibadi Muslim heritage amidst a diverse population.
Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that four Pakistanis were among the deceased, and 30 were injured. The Pakistani Prime Minister expressed his condolences and assured assistance to the victims. India's embassy in Muscat also confirmed the death of one Indian citizen and injuries to another.
In response, the US embassy in Muscat issued a security alert advising American citizens to stay vigilant and follow local authorities' instructions. Visa appointments scheduled for Tuesday were canceled as a precaution.
Omani authorities have concluded military and security operations, with an investigation into the attack ongoing.
